Have you ever experienced a Broadway show in your life? Have you ever learn anything about Musical Theatre in the past? Want to see a Broadway show from the past? If these three or any of the questions ponder in your mind, there's only one place to see Broadway history come to life. That place is The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. This library is part of the Lincoln Center plaza, between the Met Opera Place and the Vivian Beaumont Theatre.
The place is filled with books about the performing arts (ranging from theatre, film, television to music and dance). It also have two places on its third floor where you can learn more about the history of the Broadway musical: The Billy Rose Theatre Division and the Theatre of Film and Tape Archive.
The Billy Rose Theatre Division has one of the most largest archives in Performing Arts. It's filled with scripts, theatre programs and mixed material such as past news articles and reviews. The Theatre of Film and Tape Archive is the only place in New York City where you can watch a recorded performance of a Broadway show in full length.
For example, The Film and Tape Archive has these titles that you can watch on a visit such as:
-Big, The Musical (a 1996 musical, based on the 1988 Tom Hanks film)
-Seussical (a 2000 musical, based on the stories of Dr. Seuss)
-Aida (another 2000 musical, based on a opera, with music by Elton John)
-Hairspray (the Tony-winning 2002 best musical, which later spawned the 2007 film)
-Tarzan (a 2006 musical, based on the 1999 Disney film)
-Mary Poppins (another 2006 musical, based on the 1964 Disney film)
-The Little Mermaid (a 2008 musical, based on the 1989 Disney film)
-The Addams Family (a 2010 musical, based on the TV show)
-Newsies (the Tony-winning 2012 musical, based on the 1992 Disney film)
If you're familiar with these titles and its original material, then you might have to take a look at how they adapted from the page or screen to the stage. But if you're looking to see The Lion King or Cinderella, you won't get to see these titles because they won't show shows that are currently on Broadway.
I have been to this library five times so far this year and it's a nice place to visit and learn about the arts. If you are researching for an actor, an actress, a show or a role you're planning to perform, this is the place to study and enrich your mind about the art of performance. I highly recommend a visit to this fantastic library for all my readers, old and new. It's never too late to brush up on the arts.
Note: The Theatre on Film and Tape Archive is available for students and researchers with work or study-related reasons for viewing. You also need to apply for a New York Public Library card on the site for viewing. Plus, you may need your student and non-driver IDs for identification. Teenagers under 17 must be accompanied by an adult to use the archive. They have both appointments and walk-ins (no walk-ins on Saturday unless of cancellations). To make an appointment, call 212-870-1642. To search for titles (including those previously mentioned) in the archives, go to catalog.nypl.org.
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is open on from Monday (12-8 only Mon.) thru Saturday (12-6, Tues. thru Sat.). The library is closed only on Sunday and major holidays. The Theatre on Film and Tape Archive is open from Tuesday thru Saturday but is closed on Mondays.
Tip: If you're planning to see a recorded show there, I recommend you go on a non-school day (except for holidays or Mondays) and Saturdays.
The library is located on 40 Lincoln Center Plaza (between the Metropolitan Opera House and the Vivian Beaumont Theatre) at 65th Street and Broadway/Columbus Ave. in Manhattan. To get there, take the A, B, C or D trains to the 59th Street/Columbus Circle station. Then, transfer to the uptown 1 train to go to its next stop, 66th Street/Lincoln Center. After getting off at the station, walk one block to West 65th Street and the Center. When you walk to the Opera House, you'll find the library on your left, located near a medium sculpture.
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